51-year-old Callander man pleads guilty to animal cruelty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - North Bay, ON (April 9, 2018) – A 51-year-old man from Callander has pled guilty to animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act following an investigation relating to the neglect of an elderly dog in his care.

On March 16, 2018, Patrick Adduono pled guilty in a North Bay Provincial Offences Court to permitting an animal to be in distress and failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention.

On August 2, 2017, an Ontario SPCA officer with the North Bay and District Humane Society attended a residence in Callander after receiving a concern about a dog in poor condition. They located an approximately 17-year-old male Husky/Shepherd-type dog tied to a dog house. The dog was observed to be emaciated and had mobility issues. The officer also noted discharge coming from the dog’s eyes, as well as open and bleeding wounds. In addition to those health concerns noted, the dog’s shelter was determined to be inadequate to protect the dog from the elements. Further, the dog house and a nearby water bowl were covered in feces.

Due to the immediate distress of the dog, he was removed from the property and immediately taken to a veterinarian for examination. The dog was found to be emaciated, dehydrated, suffering from a severe flea infestation, as well as being anemic. Sadly, when treatment failed, the dog was humanely euthanized at the recommendation of the veterinarian.

The courts sentenced Adduono to two months of probation and a 10-year prohibition on owning or caring or residing with animals, with the exception of two dogs currently in his care. Those dogs must receive annual veterinary care and provide proof to the Ontario SPCA of such care. He is also subject to unannounced inspections by Ontario SPCA officers for a duration of 10 years and was ordered by the Justice of the Peace to pay $464.78 in restitution to the North Bay and District Humane Society.

“All animals need medical care at some point in their lives, especially as they age,” says Lynn Michaud, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “Failing to provide care to an animal because of the view they are too old is both inhumane and unacceptable. If you are unable to provide appropriate care for your animal, contact your local Ontario Animal Centre, or Humane Society, to discuss your options.”